A Health & Safety for care guide

Navigating Health & Safety in care homes and other settings can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. You’re juggling the daily demands of running a care service all while making sure that everyone—from your staff to your service users — is safe and well-protected. But it’s an area that’s crucial to get right. In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of Health & Safety in care settings, key legislation, responsibilities, necessary training, common hazards, and practical strategies to manage risks. Let’s dive in.

 

What is Health & Safety in health and social care?

Health & Safety in health and social care refers to the measures and protocols put in place to protect the wellbeing of both care workers and service users. This includes a wide range of practices designed to prevent accidents, injuries, and illnesses in care settings.

Legally, employers in the care sector must provide a safe workplace under various regulations. These laws ensure that the risks are minimised and that care settings operate smoothly without jeopardising anyone’s safety.

 

Key Health & Safety legislation for the care industry

There are several critical pieces of legislation that govern Health & Safety in the care industry:

The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974

This fundamental law mandates that employers must ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees and anyone else who might be affected by their operations.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

These regulations require employers to assess and manage risks to their employees and others arising from work activities.

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992

This legislation focuses on reducing the risk of injury from manual handling tasks such as lifting, carrying, and moving items or people. You can find out more about this in our blog on manual handling regulations.

The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) 2002

This act requires employers to control substances that can harm workers’ health, like chemicals and infectious agents.

The Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR) 2013

Employers must report certain serious workplace accidents, occupational diseases, and specified dangerous occurrences. Learn more in our blog on the importance of recording accidents at work.

The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005

Sets out how every workplace must prevent/protect against fire.

The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER) 2002

Sets out how any type of equipment is to be used safely. Work equipment needs to be checked and maintained regularly and employees trained in its safe use. In a care or health setting, ‘equipment’ includes not only specialist devices like lifting aids, but also everyday things such as televisions

The Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations 1998 (LOLER) 

This has specific requirements relating to work equipment which is used for lifting and lowering people or loads.

Understanding these laws helps ensure compliance and creates a safer care environment.

 

Who is responsible for Health & Safety in care?

Health & Safety in care settings is a shared responsibility:

• Employers: Care home employers have a legal duty to ensure the Health & Safety of their staff and those in their care. This includes carrying out risk assessments, providing necessary Health & Safety training, and implementing Health & Safety policies. Employers must also make sure that equipment and facilities are maintained and used correctly.

• Employees: Care workers are responsible for following Health & Safety protocols, using equipment properly, and reporting any hazards or incidents to their supervisors. They must also attend training sessions to stay informed about the latest safety practices.

• Service users: While the primary responsibility lies with employers and employees, service users also play a role in maintaining a safe environment. They should be informed about safety procedures and encouraged to follow them to the best of their abilities.

By working together, these groups can create a safer and more supportive care environment.

 

Health & Safety tasks requiring special training

Certain Health & Safety tasks in care settings require specialised training to make sure they are performed safely and effectively. Here are some examples:

Moving and handling

Proper techniques and equipment usage are essential to prevent injuries. The right training in safe lifting techniques is vital to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. Staff must be trained to use hoists, slings, and other equipment correctly. Why not take a look at our guide to manual handling for more support?

Medication administration

Staff must be trained to handle and administer medications accurately to avoid errors.

Working with specific needs

Caring for individuals with conditions such as dementia requires specialised knowledge to manage unique risks effectively.

Investing in training prevents accidents, reduces errors, and promotes a safer care environment for everyone involved.

 

Main Health & Safety risks in the care industry

Care settings are prone to several common Health & Safety risks. Identifying and addressing these risks is crucial for maintaining a safe environment. Here are some of the main risks:

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

These injuries often result from improper lifting techniques or repetitive movements.

Fires

Care settings must have the correct fire safety measures in place to protect staff and vulnerable residents.

Slips, trips and falls

These accidents can occur due to obstacles in walkways or slippery surfaces.

Exposure to infectious diseases

Close contact in care settings increases the risk of spreading infections. It is for the medical practitioner involved to ensure that all relevant procedures are in place and adopted at all times.

 

Practical tips for controlling hazards

Here are some practical strategies for managing risks:

Across the workplace:

• Introduce a regime of ‘if you see it sort it’ for dealing with hazards or practices that you know shouldn’t be in place.
• When discussing training (for anything) it needs to be suitable and records kept of all training delivered– along with refresher training.
• Equipment in use should be checked regularly to make sure that it is fully operational and if not then taken out of service until it is. There are several items used for lifting that MUST have regular thorough examination.

For MSDs:

• Provide training on safe lifting techniques.
• Use appropriate lifting equipment.
• Encourage regular breaks to reduce strain.
• Carry out regular risk assessments to identify and reduce hazards.

For slips, trips and falls:

• Maintain clear walkways.
• Remove clutter and spills promptly.
• Ensure proper footwear for all staff and residents.
• Regularly inspect and maintain flooring.

For infectious diseases:

• Adhere to strict hygiene protocols.
• Provide Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) when necessary.

Risk assessments:

Regular risk assessments are crucial to identify potential hazards and implement appropriate control measures. This proactive approach helps prevent accidents and helps you create a safer environment for everyone.

Risk assessments should be regularly reviewed and changed if the actual practices are not being adhered to or circumstances change (such as new items in use or varied users where different techniques may be required).

 

Get Health & Safety advice for your care business with Citation

Maintaining Health & Safety in care settings is a dynamic and ongoing process that involves everyone. By understanding the relevant legislation, sharing responsibilities, investing in training, and implementing practical safety measures, the care industry can create a safer and more nurturing environment for all.

At Citation, we offer a comprehensive range of Health & Safety services to help care providers achieve and maintain high standards of Health & Safety compliance. From care policies and procedures and a 24/7 Health & Safety advice line to specialised e-learning and mock inspections, we have everything you need here in one place. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you in creating a safer and more efficient care environment.